This is regarded as the largest of all treeferns, though in cultivation
its dimensions may be exceeded by other species such as C.
medullaris, particularly in a cooler climate. A very robust,
beautiful species, closely related to C.
cooperi but far more spectacular in size and appearnace.
It is not very common in cultivation outside of Australia. The fronds
can reach up to 20' long and are held in a most attactive habit, and the
trunk, which is quite thick under humid conditions, can in the wild reach
an incredible height of 100'! As the fern ages, the trunk appears
to look more woody and may also show some taper.

Although it comes from a completely frost free environment, it will
tolerate nearly as much frost as C. cooperi, and is also very fast-growing
(especially as a young plant) and easy to cultivate, responding to large
quantities of fertilizer. The uncurling croziers are covered in beautiful
large, pale brown scales and small, dark brown scales. The fronds
are hardy to about 27°F, and it is well worth overwintering in a zone
8b climate with copious amounts of house insulation, although it will eventually
outgrow practical protection measures. It will perform well in partial
sun in most climates where it is hardy (full sun advised in cool maritime
climates), and its fast growth enables it to recover from damage quickly.
Very easily raised from spore.

Uncurling crozier of Cyathea brownii covered with
attractive light brown scales. On older plants a large number of
croziers expands at once, making for quite an imposing sight. Photo
courtesy of Scott Ridges.

Another nice picture of the crown of Cyathea brownii.
Photo courtesy of Scott Ridges.